Semiconductor integrated circuit adapted to output pass/fail results of internal operations

ABSTRACT

In a semiconductor integrated circuit, an internal circuit is capable of executing a first operation and a second operation concurrently, and an output circuit outputs to the outside of the semiconductor integrated circuit information indicating whether or not the first operation is being executed and information indicating whether or not the second operation is executable.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of, and claims the benefit ofpriority under 35 USC § 120 from, U.S. application Ser. No. 11/742,600,filed May 1, 2007, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.11/515,005, filed Sep. 5, 2006 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,224,621), which is acontinuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 11/119,744, filed May 3, 2005(now U.S. Pat. No. 7,123,515B2), which is a divisional of U.S.application Ser. No. 10/318,167, filed Dec. 13, 2002 (now U.S. Pat. No.7,023,741B2), and is based upon and claims the benefit of priority under35 USC § 119 from the Japanese Patent Applications No. 2001-386596,filed Dec. 19, 2001, and No. 2002-311475, filed Oct. 25, 2002, theentire contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a semiconductor integrated circuitadapted to output the PASS/FAIL results of internal operations to theoutside of the semiconductor chip. Specifically, the present inventionrelates to a nonvolatile semiconductor storage device, such as aNAND-cell EEPROM, a NOR-cell EEPROM, a DINOR-cell EEPROM, or an AND-cellEEPROM.

2. Description of the Related Art

An electrically rewritable EEPROM is known as one type of semiconductorstorage device. In particular, a NAND-cell-based EEPROM in which aplurality of memory cells are connected in series to form a NAND cellblock has attracted a great deal of attention because of itsadaptability for high packing densities.

One memory cell in the NAND-cell-based EEPROM has an FET-MOS structurein which a floating gate (charge storage layer) and a control gate areformed over the semiconductor substrate such that the former is locatedbelow the latter with an insulating film interposed therebetween. Aplurality of memory cells are connected in series such that the sourceof each cell is common to the drain of the adjacent cell, therebyforming a NAND cell. The NAND cell is connected as a unit to acorresponding bit line.

Such NAND cells are arranged in a matrix form to constitute a memorycell array. The memory cell array is manufactured into a p-type well (ora p-type substrate). NAND cells arranged in the column direction of thememory cell array have their respective drains at their one endconnected together through select gate transistors to a correspondingbit line and their respective sources at their other end connectedtogether through select gate transistors to a common source line.

The control gates of memory cell transistors arranged in the rowdirection of the memory cell array are connected together to form acontrol gate line (word line). Likewise, the gates of the select gatetransistors arranged in the row direction are connected together to forma select gate line.

The NAND-cell EEPROM operates in the following manner:

Data program operation begins with the memory cell located furthest froma bit line contact. The control gate of the selected memory cell issupplied with a high voltage Vpgm of about 18V. The control gates of thememory cells located nearer the bit line contact and the select gatesare supplied with an intermediate voltage Vmw of about 10V. The bit lineis supplied with 0V or an intermediate voltage of about 8V according todata.

When the bit line is supplied with 0V, the voltage is transferred to thedrain of the selected memory cell, so that tunneling of electrons fromthe drain into the floating gate occurs. Thereby, the threshold voltageof the selected memory cell is caused to shift in the positivedirection. This state is assumed to be “0” by way of example.

When the intermediate voltage Vmb is applied to the bit line, notunneling of electrons occurs and hence the threshold voltage of thememory cell is not changed and remains negative. This state correspondsto “1”.

Data erasing is performed simultaneously on all the memory cells in aselected NAND cell block. That is, all the control gates in the selectedNAND cell block are set at 0V, a high voltage Vera of about 22V isapplied to the p-type well (or the p-type substrate). The bit and sourcelines and the control gates in nonselected NAND cell blocks and all theselect gate lines are rendered floating.

Thereby, in all the memory cells in the selected NAND cell block,electrons in the floating gates due to the tunnel effect are releasedinto the p-type well (or the p-type substrate). Thereby, after erasing,the threshold voltage is shifted in the negative direction.

To read data, the control gate of the selected memory cell is set at 0Vwith the control gates of other memory cells and the select gatessupplied with the supply voltage Vcc or a read voltage VH higher thanVcc. This read voltage VH is normally less than twice the supply voltageVcc, say, less than 5V. In this state, data is sensed by detectingwhether or not a current is flowing in the selected memory cell.

FIG. 1 shows example arrangements of the memory cell array and the bitline control circuit of a conventional NAND-cell EEPROM.

In FIG. 1, the memory cell array has 33,792 bit lines BL0 to BL33791 and1,024 blocks Block0 to Block1023 and row decoders are placed on oppositesides of the array in the row direction.

A sense latch circuit 31 is connected between a pair of bit lines BLiand BLi+1 (i=0, 1, . . . ) and a pair of input/output lines IO and /IOover which data is transferred between the memory array and the datainput/output buffer. That is, a single sense latch is connected betweenthe paired input/output lines IO and /IO and each pair of odd- andeven-numbered bit lines.

FIG. 2 shows an algorithm for the data program sequence in the NAND cellEEPROM of FIG. 1.

According to this algorithm, data is programmed into each of two or morepages in sequence. While data is being programmed in, that is, when thesense latch circuit 31 is in operation, it cannot be used for anotheroperation, such as data entry.

That is, the data program sequence involves an operation of enteringdata to be programmed (program data) and an operation of programmingdata for one page. These operations are performed alternately for eachpage. That is, the data entry operation cannot be performed concurrentlywith the data program operation.

Thus, the data entry operation and the data program operation arerepeated alternately during the data program sequence. The overall timeof the data program sequence is defined mainly by the sum of the timerequired to enter data and the time required to program data and willtherefore become considerably long.

FIG. 3 shows an algorithm for the data read sequence in the NAND-cellEEPROM of FIG. 1.

In this algorithm, each of pages is subjected in sequence to a data readoperation. While data is being read, the sense latch circuit 31 is inoperation (i.e., in use); thus, it cannot be used for another operation(such as outputting data).

With the algorithm of FIG. 3, the overall time of the data read sequenceis determined by the sum of the time required to read data and the timerequired to output data and will therefore become considerably long.

With a conventional nonvolatile semiconductor storage device such as ofthe NAND cell type, as described above, it is impossible to perform adata entry operation concurrently with a data program operation and aproblem therefore arises in that the overall time of the data programsequence becomes long.

Likewise, it is also impossible to perform a data output operationconcurrently with a data read operation and a problem therefore arisesin that the overall time of the data read sequence becomes long.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

According to an aspect of the present invention there is provided asemiconductor integrated circuit comprises: an internal circuitconfigured to execute a first operation and a second operationconcurrently; and an output circuit connected to the internal circuit,the output circuit configured to output to the outside of thesemiconductor integrated circuit information indicating whether or notthe first operation is being executed and information indicating whetheror not the second operation is executable.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING

FIG. 1 shows example arrangements of the memory cell array, the bit linecontrol circuit and the data input/output control circuit of aconventional NAND cell EEPROM;

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm for a data programsequence in the memory of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm for the data readsequence in the memory of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of a NAND-cell EEPROM according to a firstembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 5A is a plan view of a NAND cell portion in the memory cell arrayof FIG. 4;

FIG. 5B shows an equivalent circuit of the NAND cell of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6A is a sectional view taken along line XIA-XIA of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 6B is a sectional view taken along line XIB-XIB of FIG. 5A;

FIG. 7 shows an equivalent circuit of a portion of the memory cell arrayof FIG. 4;

FIG. 8 shows example arrangements of the memory cell array, the bit linecontrol circuit and the data input/output control circuit in FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm for a data programsequence in the memory of FIG. 8;

FIGS. 10A through 10F are diagrams for use in explanation of theoperation of the memory of FIG. 8 when the algorithm of FIG. 9 is used;

FIG. 11 shows the flow of control in the data program sequence in asemiconductor chip formed with the NAND cell EEPROM of FIG. 4;

FIG. 12 shows a first modification of the memory cell array of the firstembodiment;

FIG. 13 shows a second modification of the memory cell array of thefirst embodiment;

FIGS. 14A, 14B and 14C show conventional and inventive data programsequences;

FIGS. 15A through 15F are timing diagrams illustrating how the busystate is output at data program operation execution time when the dataprogram sequences of FIGS. 14A to 14C are used;

FIGS. 16A through 16K are timing diagrams illustrating the timedependence of PASS/FAIL result outputs at status read time when programoperations are performed in succession;

FIGS. 17A through 17F are timing diagrams of operations when thecumulative PASS/FAIL status is output for two program operations atstatus read time in the first embodiment;

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a NAND-cell EEPROM according to a secondembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a NAND-cell EEPROM according to a thirdembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm for a data programsequence in the memory of FIG. 8;

FIGS. 21A through 21F are diagrams for use in explanation of theoperation of the memory of FIG. 8 when the algorithm of FIG. 20 is used;

FIGS. 22A, 22B and 22C show conventional and in the first to thirdembodiments data read sequences;

FIGS. 23A through 23F are timing diagrams illustrating the ready/busystates in data read operations when the data program sequence of FIG.22B is used;

FIGS. 24A and 24B are timing diagrams illustrating the backgroundoperation interval in the NAND cell EEPROM of FIG. 4;

FIG. 25 shows an equivalent circuit of a portion of the memory cellarray of a NOR cell EEPROM;

FIG. 26 shows an equivalent circuit of a portion of the memory cellarray of a DINOR cell EEPROM;

FIG. 27 shows an equivalent circuit of a portion of the memory cellarray of an AND cell EEPROM;

FIG. 28 shows an equivalent circuit of a portion of the memory cellarray of an example of a NOR cell EEPROM with select transistors; and

FIG. 29 shows an equivalent circuit of a portion of the memory cellarray of another example of a NOR cell EEPROM with select transistors.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring now to FIG. 4, there is illustrated, in block diagram form, anarrangement of a NAND-cell EEPROM according to a first embodiment of thepresent invention.

A memory cell array 1 is formed, as will be described later, with anumber of memory cells each of which has a control gate and a floatinggate and is associated with a bit line and a word line. The memory cellsare divided into a number of blocks. In operation, one of the blocks isselected.

Connected with the memory cell array 1 is a bit line control circuit 2which is adapted to read data from the memory cells in the array. Also,it performs a data program operation on each memory cell.

To this end, the bit line control circuit 2 includes a plurality ofsense latch circuits (sense amplifier/data latch circuits) that acts asa sense amplifier for sensing and amplifying potentials on the bit linesin the cell array and data latch circuits for latching program data tobe programmed. The bit line control circuit 2 receives program data fromor sends read data to a data input/output control circuit 3.

As will be described later, the data input/output control circuit 3includes a plurality of data cache circuits that holds program data orread data and performs input/output control of internal or externaldata. A data input/output buffer (I/O buffer) 4 is connected with thedata input/output control circuit 3.

The data input/output control circuit 3 is controlled by a columndecoder 6 that receives an address information from an address buffer(address latch) 5 which receives an address information input.

Connected with the memory cell array 1 is a row decoder 7 that controlsthe control gates of the memory cells and the select gates. Further,connected with the memory cell array 1 is a well potential controlcircuit 8 that controls the potential of the p-type well or p-typesubstrate in which the memory cell array 1 is manufactured. Moreover,connected with the memory cell array 1 is a source line control circuit9 that controls the source line voltage.

Also, a word line control circuit 10 is provided to control thepotentials on the word lines, or the control gate lines, in the selectedblock. A row decoder power supply control circuit 11 is provided whichcontrols the supply voltage of the row decoder circuit 7. The word linecontrol circuit 10 and the row decoder power supply control circuit 11are both connected to the row decoder circuit 7.

Furthermore, a high voltage/intermediate voltage generating circuit 12is provided which generates high and intermediate program voltages, ahigh erase voltage and a high read voltage. The erase voltage is appliedto the p-type well or p-type substrate during an erase operation. Theprogram voltages are applied to the word line, the bit lines, the rowdecoder 7, etc., during a program operation. The voltage generatingcircuit 12 is connected to the memory cell array 1, the bit line controlcircuit 2, the word line control circuit 10, and the row decoder powersupply control circuit 11.

The data input/output buffer 4 sends data to or receives data from theoutside. For example, eight I/o pads I/O-1 to I/O-8 are connected to thedata input/output buffer 4. Through these I/O pads the buffer 4 receivesprogram data, address information, commands, etc., from the outside andoutputs read data and various signals to the outside.

The data input/output buffer 4 is further connected to the addressbuffer 5 and a command decoder 13.

When a command is input to the data input/output buffer 4 through theI/O pads I/O-1 to I/O-8, the command decoder 13 receives and latches thecommand through the buffer 4 and then outputs control signals to controlvarious operations such as read, program, and erase operations.

A PASS/FAIL decision circuit 14 and a PASS/FAIL holding circuit 15 arealso provided. The PASS/FAIL decision circuit 14 is connected to the bitline control circuit 2 and the PASS/FAIL holding circuit 15 is connectedto the PASS/FAIL decision circuit 14. The PASS/FAIL hold circuit 15includes, for example, shift registers.

The PASS/FAIL decision circuit 14 decides whether or not the cellprogramming or erasing has been performed correctly. When the cellprogramming or erasing has been performed correctly, it is defined asthe PASS status; otherwise, it is defined as the FAIL status.

After the cell programming or erasing, the result of the PASS/FAILdecision by the PASS/FAIL decision circuit 14 is sent to a PASS/FAILholding circuit 15 and held therein. In examining the PASS/FAIL statusis externally applied through the data input/output buffer 4 to thecommand decoder 13, which accordingly produces control signals to causethe result of the PASS/FAIL decision is then output through at least oneof the I/O pads I/O-1 to I/O-8 to the outside of the chip.

Connected to the data input/output control circuit 3 and the datainput/output buffer 4 is a Ready/Busy (R/B) control circuit 16, which isresponsive to the data input/output control circuit 3 to produce aplurality of Ready/Busy signals indicating the current operating stateof the chip. The plurality of Ready/Busy signals are output through theI/O pads I/O-1 to I/O-8 to the outside of the chip.

FIGS. 5A and 5B show a plan view of a NAND-cell portion in the memorycell array 1 of FIG. 4 and its equivalent circuit diagram, respectively.FIGS. 6A and 6B are sectional views taken along line XIA-XIA and lineXIB-XIB, respectively, of FIG. 5A.

In the memory cell array, a large number of NAND cells (each of aplurality of memory cells) are formed in a p-type silicon substrate (orp-type well) 22 in such a way that they are isolated from one another bya device isolation oxide film 21. One NAND cell includes a plurality ofmemory cells (in this example, eight memory cells M1 to M8) which areconnected in series so that adjacent ones share n-type diffused regions23 (23 ₀, 23 ₁, . . . , 23 ₁₀) serving as their source/drain regions.

On the drain and source sides of the NAND cell, select gates 24 ₉, 25 ₉and 24 ₁₀ and 25 ₁₀ are placed which are formed simultaneously with thefloating and control gates of the respective memory cell transistors.

Each memory cell has a stacked-gate MOSFET structure such that afloating gate 24 (24 ₁, 24 ₂, . . . , 24 ₈) is formed over thesemiconductor substrate 22 with a gate insulating film 26 interposedtherebetween and a control gate 26 (26 ₁, 26 ₂, . . . , 26 ₈) is formedover the floating gate 24 with a gate insulating film 27 interposedtherebetween.

The substrate thus formed with the elements is covered with a CVD oxidelayer 28, which is formed on top with bit lines 29. Each bit line iscontact with the diffused region 23 ₀ on the drain side of acorresponding NAND cell.

Such NAND cells as described above are arranged in a matrix form. Theselect gate transistor on the drain side of each NAND cell is connectedto a corresponding bit line and the select gate transistor on the sourceside is connected to a common source line (cell-source voltage).

The control gates 25 of the respective memory cells M1 to M8 arerespectively connected with select gate lines (word lines) CG1, CG2, . .. CG8 that extend in the row direction of the memory cell array.

The gates of the respective select gates 24 ₉, 25 ₉ and 24 ₁₀, 25 ₁₀ arealso connected to select gate lines SG1 and SG2, respectively, whichextend in the row direction of the memory cell array.

FIG. 7 shows a portion of the equivalent circuit of the memory cellarray 1 in which such NAND cells as shown in FIGS. 5A and 5B are arrayedin a matrix form.

A group of NAND cells that share the same word lines and select gatelines is referred to as a block. For example, NAND cells within a regionenclosed with dotted lines form one block. A read/program operation isperformed on a selected one of the blocks.

FIG. 8 shows example circuit arrangements of the memory cell array 1,the bit line control circuit 2, and the data input/output controlcircuit 3.

As shown in FIG. 8, a pair of IO and /IO lines over which data is sentto or from the data input/output buffer 4 is coupled through data cachecircuits 31 in the data input/output control circuit 3 to sense latchcircuits 32 in the bit line control circuit 2. The data cache circuits31 and the sense latch circuits 32 are each included of two inverters.More specifically, each data cache circuit 31 includes a latch circuit33 which has two inverters, a switching transistor 34 connected betweenthe IO line and one data storage node N1 of the latch circuit 33, aswitching transistor 35 connected between the /IO line and the otherdata storage node N2 of that latch circuit 33, and a switchingtransistor 36 connected between the data storage node N2 and thecorresponding sense latch circuit 32.

Each sense latch circuit 32 includes of a latch circuit 37 consisting oftwo inverters and a switching transistor 38 having its one end connectedto a data storage node N3 of that latch circuit 37. The bit line controlcircuit 2 is provided with two switching transistors 39 and 40 for eachsense latch circuit 32. The transistor 39 is connected between the otherend of the transistor 38 and one of the even-numbered bit lines in thememory cell array 1, while the transistor 40 is connected between theother end of the transistor 38 and one of the odd-numbered bit lines inthe memory cell array 1. The switching transistors 39 and 40 have theirgates controlled by bit line select signals BLT0 and BLT1, respectively.

That is, only the data cache circuit 31 is directly connected to thepaired IO and /IO lines. The sense latch circuit 32 is connected throughthe data cache circuit 31 to the IO and /IO lines.

The memory cell array 1 in FIG. 8 has 33,792 bit lines BL0 to BL33791and 1,024 blocks Block0 to Block1023. Row decoders are placed onopposite sides in the row direction of the memory cell array.

In the circuit of FIG. 8, between two odd- and even-numbered bit linesand the paired IO and /IO lines are connected two types of latchcircuits: one sense latch circuit 32 and one data cache circuit 31.Thus, in program or read operation, only one of the two bit linesconnected to the sense latch circuit 32 is selected and only the memorycells connected to the selected bit line can be programmed into or readfrom.

It is only the sense latch circuit 32 that is used in data programoperation; thus, the data cache circuit 31 can be used for an operationindependent of the data program operation. For example, the data cachecircuit 31 can be used to input the next program data, i.e., programdata to the next page.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm for a data programsequence in the circuit of FIG. 8.

This algorithm indicates the manner in which the operation ofprogramming data to one page and the operation of inputting data to beprogrammed to the next page are performed concurrently in the dataprogram sequence in which data is programmed to each of the pages insequence. In the first step, an operation of inputting program data tothe data cache circuit 31 (to Data Cache) (PROGRAM DATA ENTRY) isperformed. In the next step, an operation of transferring the programdata from the data cache circuit 31 to the sense latch circuit 32 (DataCache Sense Latch) is performed. In the subsequent step, an operation ofprogramming data latched in the sense latch circuit 32 into a memorycell is performed (Use Sense Latch). Concurrently with this data programoperation, an operation of inputting the next program data to the datacache circuit 31 is performed (to Data Cache).

As in the case of the previous data, the next program data istransferred from the data cache circuit 31 to the sense latch circuit 32and then programmed into a memory cell.

The algorithm of FIG. 9 requires transfer of data from the data cachecircuit 31 to the sense latch circuit 32. However, compared with thetime required by a data program operation (usually of the order of 200μs) or a data entry operation (usually of the order of tens of as tohundreds of μs), the time required by a data transfer is very short,usually of the order of 2 to 3 μs. Thus, the data transfer time haslittle influence on the overall time of the data program sequence.

Here, the advantages of the algorithm of FIG. 9 over the conventionalalgorithm of FIG. 2 will be described in terms of the data program timeper page.

The data program time per page required by the algorithm of FIG. 9 isthe sum of the time required by the longer one of the data program andentry operations which are performed concurrently and the data transfertime. In contrast to this, the data program time per page required bythe algorithm of FIG. 2 is the sum of the data program time and the dataentry time.

In view of the fact that usually the data program time is, at most, ofthe order of 200 μs and the data input time is of the order of 200 μs,the data program time and the data input time are of substantially thesame order. Therefore, the use of the algorithm of FIG. 9 results in adata program time per page of the order of 200 μs.

In contrast, in the case of the algorithm of FIG. 2, the data programtime per page becomes 200 μs plus 200 μs. Therefore, the use of thealgorithm of FIG. 9 allows the overall time of the data program sequenceto be made much shorter than does the algorithm of FIG. 2.

FIGS. 10A through 10F schematically illustrate the operation of thecircuit of FIG. 8 when the algorithm of FIG. 9 is used.

In FIGS. 10A through 10F, a data program operation which is concurrentwith a data input operation is labeled “Background” and an independentdata program operation is labeled “Foreground”. The data programoperation is labeled “Data Prog.”. The data program operation isperformed by repeating an operation of applying the data programmingvoltage to a memory cell (programming) and a program verificationoperation (verification).

In the data program operation to the final page, there is no need toinput data to be programmed to the next page; thus, an independentprogram operation is performed as shown in FIGS. 9 and 10A through 10F.No background operation is therefore required in the data programoperation to the final page. That is, since there is no need to performan operation concurrently with another operation, and use of aforeground operation, the overall time of the data programming sequenceis not change.

FIG. 11 shows an example of a data program sequence control method for asemiconductor chip formed with the NAND cell EEPROM of FIG. 4. Theoperations in intervals Ta through Tf in FIG. 11 correspond to those inFIGS. 10A through 10F.

A general control method for implementing a program operation involves asequence of entry of an address/data inputting command (COM1), entry ofan address to which data is to be programmed, entry of program data,entry of a command to initiate the data program operation, andinitiation of the data program operation. There are two commands toinitiate the data program operation: a command (COM2) for a backgroundprogram operation which can be performed concurrently with a programdata input operation, and a command (COM3) for a foreground programoperation that cannot be performed concurrently with another operation.

When the command COM3 is input, the busy interval in the ready/busystate indicating the chip operating state becomes long and the busystate lasts until the COM3-based program operation is completed. Theready/busy state is detected by the R/B control circuit 17 through theoperation of the data input/output control circuit 3 in FIG. 4, wherebya plurality of ready/busy signals is produced.

When the command COM2 is input, on the other hand, the busy interval inthe ready/busy state becomes short. A return is made from the busy stateto the ready state immediately after program data input immediatelyprior to entry of the command COM2 has been transferred from the datacache circuit 31 to the sense latch circuit 32.

Usually use is made of the command COM2 for pages other than the finalpage in the data program sequence, thereby allowing a data programoperation and a data input operation to be performed concurrently toreduce the time required. The command COM3 is used for the final page tofacilitate the detection of completion of the data program sequence.That is, the use of a method that enables the completion of the sequenceto be detected through examination of the ready/busy state isparticularly effective.

FIG. 11 shows the case where data is programmed into each page in theorder of page 1, page 2, . . . , page N and the times indicated bynumerical values correspond to the case where the amount of input datais assumed to be 2,112 bytes per page, the data input cycle to be 50 ns,the time required to transfer data from the data cache circuit 31 to thesense latch circuit 32 to be 3 μs, and the time required to program datato be 200 μs.

In the method shown in FIG. 11, the quasi-ready state is output duringthe background program operation as in the Tc and Td intervals. Duringthe quasi-ready state, the entry of commands other than commands such asCOM1, COM2 and COM3, which are associated with data program operations,is inhibited. Such commands are associated with, for example, data readand erase operations. Usually, the entry of these inhibit commands willbe described in chip specifications.

It is effective to design a chip in such a way as to, when an inhibitcommand is entered, ignore the command and continue the backgroundoperation. Such a chip will prevent malfunctions.

Specifically, valid commands include programming-related commands, suchas COM1, COM2 and COM3, a reset command, and commands to output signalsindicating the Ready/Busy state and the PASS/FAIL status. Commands to beinhibited or ignored are commands other than the above valid commandsand include reading-related commands and erasing-related commands.

Like a chip ID output command, some of commands may be classified undereither of valid and inhibit commands. In order to make circuitarrangements straightforward, they should preferably be taken into theinhibit commands.

Although the first embodiment has been described in terms of the circuitarrangement of FIG. 8, this is merely an example.

FIG. 12 shows a first modification of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 12, the memory cell array 1 is divided in the word linedirection into two memory cell arrays 1-1 and 1-2 and one block ishalved between the two memory cell arrays. The present invention is alsoeffective in such a configuration.

In the configuration of FIG. 12, memory cells corresponding to one pagemay be placed halved between the two memory cell arrays 1-1 and 1-2. Thepresent invention is also effective in performing such operations asdescribed above on the memory cells for one page placed in the right andleft memory cell arrays.

In the configuration of FIG. 12, memory cells for one page may be placedin only one of the memory cell arrays 1-1 and 1-2. The present inventionis also effective in performing such operations as described above onmemory cells for two different pages which are placed in the right andleft memory cell arrays which are selected simultaneously.

FIG. 13 shows a second modification of the first embodiment.

As shown in FIG. 13, the memory cell array 1 is divided in the word linedirection into two memory cell arrays 1-1 and 1-2 and one block isplaced only in one of the two memory cell arrays. The present inventionis also effective in such a configuration.

The present invention is also effective in performing the aforementionedoperations on memory cells for two different pages which are placed inthe right and left memory cell arrays in the configuration of FIG. 13.In this case, memory cells for two pages in different blocks can beprogrammed into at the same time.

In addition, the memory cell array may be divided into three or more. Inthis case as well, the present invention is effective and suchoperations as described above can be implemented.

A comparison is next made between a control method of the presentinvention and a conventional control method for data programming.

FIG. 14A is a schematic representation of the conventional dataprogramming control method and FIG. 14B is a schematic representation ofthe control method for the data program sequence shown in FIG. 11.

In the conventional method shown in FIG. 14A, the data programoperations for all pages are performed by foreground processing. In themethod shown in FIG. 14B, on the other hand, on pages other than thefinal page the program operations are performed by backgroundprocessing.

FIG. 14C shows another control method of the present invention.

According to this method, the data program operations are performed onall pages by background processing. In this case as well, the firstembodiment is effective.

FIGS. 15A through 15F illustrate the manner in which busy signals areoutput in data program operations when the control method of FIGS. 14Athrough 14C are used. In these figures, address/data inputs are omittedin portions in which command inputs are described only for the purposeof simplifying illustration.

The signal “Cache-R/B” in FIGS. 15A through 15F indicates the read/busystates, for example, the ready/busy states in FIG. 11 and usuallycorresponds to the chip ready/busy states output from the I/O pads I/O-1to I/O-8 in FIG. 4. A pad may be provided to indicate the chipready/busy state. In this case, the pad indicates a ready/busy statethat usually corresponds to Cache-R/B. The signal “True-R/B” representsthe in-chip operating states including background operations and alwaysassumes the busy state during a background operation.

FIG. 15A shows a case where conventional data program operations areperformed independently, which correspond to foreground operations. Inthis case, the two signals Cache-R/B and True/R/B are coincident instate with each other in the data program operation interval tPROG.

FIGS. 15B and 15D illustrate program operation intervals tPROG and busysignal states when two data program operations are performedsuccessively and a second-operation start command is input after thetermination of the first operation.

FIGS. 15C and 15E illustrate program operation intervals tPROG and busysignal states when two data program operations are performedsuccessively and a second-operation start command is input during thefirst program operation.

FIG. 15F illustrates a program operation interval tPROG and busy signalstates when a data program operation start command is input after thetermination of a busy signal being output through an operation otherthan a program operation.

From FIGS. 15A through 15F it can be seen that, when the backgroundoperations are involved, the ready/busy state varies variously with theinput timing of the operation start command.

To examine the PASS/FAIL status after the termination of a certainoperation, a chip status output command COMS is simply input to the I/Opads I/o-1 to I/O-8. The chip status output command is sent through thedata input/output buffer 4 to the command decoder 13 in FIG. 4, which inturn produces control signals used to output the PASS/FAIL status.

As described previously, after the termination of a data programoperation, the PASS/FAIL status is holding by the PASS/FAIL holdingcircuit 15. To examine the PASS/FAIL status, a chip status outputcommand COMS is input to the I/O pads I/o-1 to I/O-8. The PASS/FAILstatus held by the PASS/FAIL holding circuit 15 is then output from theI/O pads I/O-1 to I/O-8 via the data input/output buffer 4.

In general, the operation of outputting the chip status containing thePASS/FAIL status after entry of the chip status command COMS is called“status read”.

FIGS. 16A through 16F illustrate the time dependence of the PASS/FAILoutput results at the status read time when program operations areperformed in succession.

FIGS. 16G through 16K illustrate the time dependence of the PASS/FAILoutput results at the status read time when an operation other than aprogram operation and a program operation are performed in succession.

Tables 1A through 1K below indicate the status outputs at times (t1, t2,t3) indicated in FIGS. 16A through 16K.

In Tables 1A through 1K, the expression “A1-status” represents thePASS/FAIL status for an operation during the A1 interval (A1 operation).Likewise, the expressions “A2-status”, “B1-status”, “B2-status”, etc.represent the PASS/FAIL status for the corresponding operations (A2operation, B1 operation, B2 operation, etc.) in FIGS. 16A through 16K.

TABLE 1A Status Output COMS Input Time I/O-1 I/O-2 t1 invalid invalid t2A2-status A1-status

TABLE 1B Status Output COMS Input Time I/O-1 I/O-2 t1 invalid invalid t2B2-status B1-status

TABLE 1C Status Output COMS Input Time I/O-1 I/O-2 t1 invalid invalid t2invalid C1-status t3 C2-status C1-status

TABLE 1D Status Output COMS Input Time I/O-1 I/O-2 t1 invalid invalid t2invalid D1-status t3 D2-status D1-status

TABLE 1E Status Output COMS Input Time I/O-1 I/O-2 t1 invalid invalid t2invalid invalid t3 E2-status E1-status

TABLE 1F Status Output COMS Input Time I/O-1 I/O-2 t1 invalid invalid t2invalid F1-status t3 F2-status F1-status

TABLE 1G Status Output COMS Input Time I/O-1 I/O-2 t1 invalid Low (“0”)t2 G1-status Low (“0”)

TABLE 1H Status Output COMS Input Time I/O-1 I/O-2 t1 invalid Low (“0”)t2 invalid Low (“0”) t3 H1-status Low (“0”)

TABLE 1I Status Output COMS Input Time I/O-1 I/O-2 t1 invalid Low (“0”)t2 I1-status Low (“0”)

TABLE 1J Status Output COMS Input Time I/O-1 I/O-2 t1 invalid Low (“0”)t2 J2-status Low (“0”)

TABLE 1K Status Output COMS Input Time I/O-1 I/O-2 t1 invalid Low (“0”)t2 K2-status Low (“0”)

As shown in FIGS. 16A through 16F, in view of the PASS/FAIL outputs whenbackground operations are involved, it is very important to make clearwhich program operation a PASS/FAIL output by the status readcorresponds to, i.e., which page the corresponding program operationcorresponds to. If this is possible, in the event of programmingfailures, pages containing faulty data can be identified.

To make clear the correspondence between PASS/FAIL outputs and pages, inthe case of successive program operations, PASS/FAIL outputs for twopast program operations are obtained simultaneously or sequentially asindicated in tables 1A through 1I. That is, after entry of the chipstatus command COMS, signals representing the PASS/FAIL status areoutput from the two I/O pads I/O-1 and I/O-2 as shown. The expression“invalid” in each table represents data that does not reflect thePASS/FAIL status. This data need not be monitored.

Table 2 below indicates example data contents output from the eight I/Opads I/O-1 to I/O-8 at state read time in the first embodiment.

TABLE 2 Status Output I/O-1 Chip Status-I Pass → 0 Fail → 1 I/O-2 ChipStatus-II Pass → 0 Fail → 1 I/O-3 — — I/O-4 — — I/O-5 — — I/O-6 — —I/O-7 — — I/O-8 — —

The I/O pad I/O-1 outputs the chip status (Chip Status-I) for animmediately preceding operation. The I/O pad I/O-2 outputs the chipstatus (Chip Status-II) corresponding to a program operation immediatelyprior to the immediately preceding operation. The chip status is “0” inthe case of PASS and “1” in the case of FAIL.

When the system of FIGS. 16A through 16F is used, the PASS/FAIL statuscontents vary with the times of Cache-R/B, True-R/B and status read. Itis therefore desired that Cache-R/B and True-R/B be contained in thestatus read output data. In this case, such outputs as indicated inTable 3 below will result.

TABLE 3 Status Output I/O-1 Chip Status-I Pass → 0 Fail → 1 I/O-2 ChipStatus-II Pass → 0 Fail → 1 I/O-3 — — I/O-4 — — I/O-5 — — I/O-6 True-R/BBusy → 0 Ready → 1 I/O-7 Cache-R/B Busy → 0 Ready → 1 I/O-8 — —

In the above status read, the PASS/FAIL status and the ready/busy statusare output after the entry of a command COMS.

FIGS. 17A through 17F show PASS/FAIL status outputs as a result of thePASS/FAIL status of two successive program operations being accumulatedat the status read time in the first embodiment.

Tables 4A through 4F below indicate the status outputs at times (t1, t2,t3) indicated in FIGS. 17A through 17F.

TABLE 4A Status Output COMS Input Time I/O-1 I/O-2 I/O-3 t1 invalidinvalid A1-status t2 A2-status A1-status (A1 + A2)-status

TABLE 4B COMS Input Status Output Time I/O-1 I/O-2 I/O-3 t1 invalidinvalid B1-status t2 B2-status B1-status (B1 + B2)-status

TABLE 4C COMS Input Status Output Time I/O-1 I/O-2 I/O-3 t1 invalidinvalid C1-status t2 invalid C1-status C1-status t3 C2-status C1-status(C1 + C2)-status

TABLE 4D Status Output COMS Input Time I/O-1 I/O-2 I/O-3 t1 invalidinvalid D1-status t2 invalid D1-status D1-status t3 D2-status D1-status(D1 + D2)-status

TABLE 4E Status Output COMS Input Time I/O-1 I/O-2 I/O-3 t1 invalidinvalid invalid t2 invalid invalid E1-status t3 E2-status E1-status(E1 + E2)-status

TABLE 4F Status Output COMS Input Time I/O-1 I/O-2 I/O-3 t1 invalidinvalid invalid t2 invalid F1-status F1-status t3 F2-status F1-status(F1 + F2)-status

The expression “(A1+A2)-status” in Table 4A indicates the result ofaccumulation of the PASS/FAIL status of the A1 and A2 operations,namely, that, in the event of a failure in either of the A1 or A2operation, the fail status is maintained.

In actual operation, data is frequently programmed over a continuousrange of several pages to tens of pages. In such a case, the cumulativePASS/FAIL status for program operations corresponding to several pagesto tens of pages is output.

With the cumulative status, there are two systems: one that enables thatstatus to be reset by the usual RESET command and one that enables thestatus to be reset only by a dedicated RESET command.

Cumulative status systems include one that accumulates the PASS/FAILstatus of operations from an operation immediately after the status hasbeen reset to the last operation and one that accumulates the PASS/FAILstatus only for particular operations or commands, for example, programoperations or programming-related commands.

Table 5 below indicates example status read time data outputs containingthe cumulative status as described above. In this case, the I/O padI/O-3 outputs the cumulative status (cumulative chip status).

TABLE 5 Status Output I/O-1 Chip Status-I Pass → 0 Fail → 1 I/O-2 ChipStatus-II Pass → 0 Fail → 1 I/O-3 Accumulated Pass → 0 Fail → 1 ChipStatus I/O-4 — — I/O-5 — — I/O-6 True-R/B Busy → 0 Ready → 1 I/O-7Cache-R/B Busy → 0 Ready → 1 I/O-8 — —

Table 6 below indicates example status read time data outputs containingno PASS/FAIL status.

TABLE 6 Status Output I/O-1 — — I/O-2 — — I/O-3 — — I/O-4 — — I/O-5 — —I/O-6 True-R/B Busy → 0 Ready → 1 I/O-7 Cache-R/B Busy → 0 Ready → 1I/O-8 — —

That is, when first and second operations for which PASS/FAIL resultsare held in the chip are performed in succession, the NAND-cell EEPROMof the first embodiment allows the PASS/FAIL results to be output to theoutside of the chip, which increases the convenience of control outsidethe chip.

In addition, the NAND-cell EEPROM described above allows a firstoperation of, say, programming data and a second operation of, say,inputting program data to be performed concurrently. To this end, theEEPROM is adapted to output data representing whether or not the firstoperation is being executed, e.g., True-R/B, and data representingwhether or not the second operation is executable when the firstoperation is in execution, e.g., Cache-R/B.

Thus, a program data input operation can be performed concurrently witha data program operation. Thereby, the time required by the entire dataprogram sequence is determined by the longer one of the time required bydata input operations and the time required by data program operations.The operations shorter in required time have no influence on the timerequired by the entire sequence. Thus, the time required by the entiredata program sequence can be reduced, allowing a fast data programmingfunction to be implemented.

To perform first and second operations whose PASS/FAIL results are heldin the chip after the termination thereof and, when the first and secondoperations are performed in succession, to output both of the PASS/FAILresults of the first and second operations to the outside of the chip, asemiconductor integrated circuit is simply required to have thefollowing circuits:

a PASS/FAIL decision circuit (14) that decides the result of animmediately preceding operation in the integrated circuit and produces aPASS/FAIL signal;

a PASS/FAIL holding circuit (15) that is responsive to the PASS/FAILdecision circuit to separately hold the PASS/FAIL result of each of thefirst and second operations performed successively in the integratedcircuit; and

a data input/output buffer (4) that outputs the PASS/FAIL results of thefirst and second operations held in the PASS/FAIL result holding circuitto the outside of the chip.

Further, a cumulative PASS/FAIL result holding circuit may be providedwhich cumulatively holds the PASS/FAIL results of the first and secondsuccessive operations. In this case, The cumulative PASS/FAIL result ofthe two operations held in the cumulative PASS/FAIL result holdingcircuit and/or the PASS/FAIL result of each of the two operations heldin the PASS/FAIL holding circuit can be output to the outside of thechip via the output circuit.

FIG. 18 is a block diagram of a NAND-cell EEPROM which is equipped withthe aforementioned cumulative PASS/FAIL result holding circuit inaccordance with the a second embodiment of the present invention.

This EEPROM differs from the EEPROM of FIG. 4 only in that thecumulative PASS/FAIL result holding circuit 17 is added. This circuit,which is connected to the PASS/FAIL decision circuit 14 and the datainput/output buffer 4, accumulates the PASS/FAIL results for more thanone operation produced by the PASS/FAIL decision circuit 14. Thecumulative PASS/FAIL result is sent to the data input/output buffer 4and then output to the outside of the chip through the I/O pad I/O-3 asindicated in Table 5.

Further, a cumulative data holding circuit which separately holds morethan one cumulative PASS/FAIL result output from the cumulativePASS/FAIL result holding circuit 17 may be provided. In such a case, thecumulative data held in the cumulative data holding circuit and/or thePASS/FAIL result of each of the two operations held in the PASS/FAILholding circuit can be output to the outside of the chip via the outputcircuit.

FIG. 19 is a block diagram of a NAND-cell EEPROM which is equipped withthe aforementioned cumulative data holding circuit in accordance withthe a third embodiment of the present invention.

This EEPROM has the cumulative data holding circuit 18 added to theEEPROM of FIG. 18. This circuit, which is connected to the cumulativePASS/FAIL result holding circuit 17 and the data input/output buffer 4,separately accumulates each of the cumulative PASS/FAIL results outputfrom the cumulative PASS/FAIL result holding circuit 17. The cumulativePASS/FAIL results are sent to the data input/output buffer 4 and thenoutput to the outside of the chip through one of the I/O pads I/O-1through I/O-8.

Although the embodiments have been described as using backgroundoperations to program data, the present invention is effective in usingbackground operations to read data.

FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm for a data readsequence when the present invention is applied to a data read operationin the circuit of FIG. 8.

Here, when two or more pages are read in succession, a cell data readoperation and a read data output operation are performed concurrently.

When each of the second page and later is read, a cell data readoperation is performed concurrently with a data output operation for theimmediately preceding page.

Thus, the time required by the entire data read sequence is determinedonly by the longer one of the time required by data read operations andthe time required by data output operations. The operations shorter inrequired time have no influence on the time required by the entiresequence.

In FIG. 20, the time required by each read data transfer operation is ofthe order of 2 to 3 μs, the time required by each cell data readoperation is of the order of 25 to 50 μs, and the time required by eachread data output operation is of the order of 25 to 100 μs. Thus, thetime required by the data read sequence is determined by the timerequired to read cell data or the time required to output the data read,whichever the longer.

In contrast, with the conventional algorithm shown in FIG. 3, the timerequired by the entire data read sequence is determined by the sum ofthe time required by cell data read operations and the time required byread data output operations. The algorithm of FIG. 20 can thereforeimplement a faster data read sequence than the conventional algorithm.

FIGS. 21A through 21F schematically show the data read operation by thecircuit of FIG. 8 when the algorithm of FIG. 20 is used.

FIG. 22A schematically shows a conventional data read operation controlmethod. In this case, a data read operation is performed in theforeground on each of the pages.

FIG. 22B schematically shows a control method for the data readoperation shown in FIGS. 21A through 21F. The operations in intervals{circle around (1)} to {circle around (6)} in FIG. 22B corresponds tothe operations of FIGS. 21 to 21F, respectively.

As can be seen from FIGS. 21A through 21F and 22B, the data readoperation for the first page (the operation in interval {circle around(1)}) uses the same commands COM4 and COM5 as in the conventional dataread operation and is performed in the foreground.

Each of the cell data read operations (in intervals {circle around (2)}to {circle around (6)}) subsequent to the first entry of command COM6 isa background operation and is performed concurrently with a data outputoperation.

The initiation command for a background read operation is COM6. Afterentry of this command, a read data transfer (sense latch→data cache) isfirst performed with the busy status output, then a data read operationfor the next page is started and the ready status is output.

The read data are output in sequence starting with the column 0 address.A specific column address, if desired, can be designated during readdata output operation by inputting it between commands COM8 and COM9 asshown in FIG. 22C.

For the last page in the data read sequence, there is no need to readingcell data in the next page at the time the last page data is output;thus, it is effective to use a command COM7 dedicated to read datatransfer which involves no cell data read operation. The use of thecommand COM7 involves no extra cell data read operation, allowing theoperation-required time, i.e., the busy state time, to be reduced.

FIGS. 23A through 23F shows the ready/busy states for data readoperations when the control method of FIG. 22B is used. In thesefigures, address/data inputs are omitted in portions in which commandinputs are described only for the purpose of simplifying illustration.

The signal “Cache-R/B” in FIGS. 23A through 23F indicates theaforementioned read/busy states, for example, the ready/busy states inFIG. 22B and usually corresponds to the chip ready/busy states outputfrom one of the I/O pads I/O-1 to I/O-8 in FIG. 4. The signal “True-R/B”represents the in-chip operating states including the backgroundoperations and always assumes the busy state during each backgroundoperation.

Usually, no PASS/FAIL status is output for data read operations; thus,data outputs at status read time become as shown in Table 6.

In the L1 interval in FIG. 23A, a data read operation is performedindependently, which corresponds to a foreground operation. In thiscase, the two signals Cache-R/B and True/R/B are coincident in statewith each other.

FIGS. 23B, 23D and 23E illustrate the read operation intervals and thebusy signal states when two data read operations are performedsuccessively and a second-operation start command is input after thetermination of the first operation.

FIGS. 23C and 23F illustrate the read operation intervals and the busysignal states when two data read operations are performed successivelyand a second-operation start command is input during the first programoperation.

From FIGS. 23A through 23F it can be seen that, when backgroundoperations are involved, the ready/busy states vary with the input timesof operation start commands.

Valid commands, inhibit commands and ignore commands at the time of dataread background operation execution (when the Cache R/B is at “1”(ready) and the True R/B is at “0” (busy)) are as follows: The validcommands include reading-related commands, such as COM6, COM8 and COM9,a reset command, and status read commands to output the ready/busy stateand the PASS/FAIL state. The inhibit commands and ignore commands, whichare other than the valid commands, include programming-related commandsand erasing-related commands.

A chip ID output command may be classified under either of valid orinhibit commands. In order to make circuit arrangements straightforward,it should preferably be taken into the inhibit commands.

FIGS. 24A and 24B show the times of inputting valid and inhibit commandswhile the NAND-cell EEPROM is in background operation.

As shown in FIG. 24A, in data program operation, valid commands in theinterval T between the signal Cache R/B changing from the busy state tothe ready state and the signal True R/B changing from the busy state tothe ready state are programming-related commands, such as COM1, COM2 andCOM3, status read commands COMS, and reset commands. Other commands areinhibited or ignored.

As shown in FIG. 24B, at data read time, valid commands in the intervalT between the signal Cache R/B changing from the busy state to the readystate and the signal True R/B changing from the busy state to the readystate are reading-related commands, such as COM1, COM2 and COM3, statusread commands COMS, and reset commands. Other commands are inhibited orignored.

When the last page is read from in the operation of FIG. 24B, a singleread operation is enough for the last page even if the read command COM6is input in succession because there is no page to be read next.

Thus, when the read command COM6 is input successively for the lastpage, an approach can be adopted by which read operations are omittedwhen the command is input on and after a second time and the busy stateis output during a short time of, say, 2 to 3 μs or only a read datatransfer operation is performed. In this case, the data read operationcan be omitted, allowing the operation time, i.e., the busy interval tobe reduced.

The present invention is not restricted to the embodiments described sofar and may be embodied or practiced in still other ways.

For example, although the embodiments have been described as the numberof series-connected memory cells in each NAND cell being eight, theprinciples of the present invention is also applicable to the case wherethe number of memory cells is 1, 2, 4, 16, 32, or 64.

In the embodiment descried above, the data cache circuits and senselatch circuits are provided, each for two bit lines. Nonetheless, eachdata cache and each sense latch circuit may be provided for one bitline, four bit lines, eight bit lines or 16 bit lines. In this case,too, the present invention is useful and advantageous.

Although the embodiments have been described in terms of a NAND-cellEEPROM, the principles of the present invention are also applicable toother devices, such as a NOR-cell EEPROM, a DINOR-cell EEPROM, anAND-cell EEPROM, a NOR-cell EEPROM with select transistors, etc.

For example, an equivalent circuit of part of the memory cell array of aNOR-cell EEPROM is illustrated in FIG. 25. An equivalent circuit of partof the memory cell array of a DINOR-cell EEPROM is illustrated in FIG.26. An equivalent circuit of part of the memory cell array of anAND-cell EEPROM is illustrated in FIG. 27. And an equivalent circuit ofpart of the memory cell array of a NOR-cell EEPROM with selecttransistors is illustrated in FIGS. 28 and 29.

The DINOR-cell EEPROM is described in detail in H. Onoda et al., IEDMTech. Digest, 1992, pp. 599-602. The AND-cell EEPROM is described indetail in H. Kume et al., IEDM Tech. Digest, 1992, pp. 991-993.

Although the embodiments have been described in terms of a semiconductorstorage device having an electrically rewritable nonvolatile memory cellarray. The principles of the present invention are also applicable toother semiconductor storage devices and other semiconductor integratedcircuits.

The present invention may be practiced or embodied in still other wayswithout departing from the scope and spirit thereof.

Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to thoseskilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspect isnot limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shownand described herein. Accordingly, further various modifications may bemade without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventiveconcept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

1. (canceled)
 2. A semiconductor memory device comprising: a pluralityof data cache circuits configured to hold data temporarily; a pluralityof sense latch circuits connected to the plurality of data cachecircuits and configured to sense and latch data read from a plurality ofmemory cells in program verify operation; and a control circuitconfigured to perform a first operation, wherein the first operation isan operation to sense and latch data of a selected memory cell into acorresponding one of the plurality of sense latch circuits or one of theplurality of data cache circuits, the first operation is performed byinputting a first command or a first command sequence, and a firstready/busy signal goes to a busy status when the data of the selectedmemory cell is latched into one of the plurality of data cache circuits.3. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 2, wherein thedata of the selected memory cell is output from the plurality of datacache circuits after the data of the selected memory cell is latchedinto one of the plurality of data cache circuits.
 4. The semiconductormemory device according to claim 2, wherein the plurality of data cachecircuits are connected to data input/output lines.
 5. The semiconductormemory device according to claim 2, wherein the first command sequenceincludes an address input from outside the semiconductor memory deviceto the semiconductor memory device.
 6. The semiconductor memory deviceaccording to claim 2, wherein the first command sequence does notinclude an address input from outside the semiconductor memory device tothe semiconductor memory device.
 7. The semiconductor memory deviceaccording to claim 2, wherein the plurality of sense latch circuits areconnected to a plurality of bit lines, and the number of sense latchcircuits is equal to half of the number of bit lines.
 8. Thesemiconductor memory device according to claim 2, wherein the pluralityof sense latch circuits are connected to a plurality of bit lines, andthe number of sense latch circuits are equal to the number of bit lines.9. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 2, wherein thefirst ready/busy signal is a cache-R/B signal.
 10. The semiconductormemory device according to claim 2, wherein the first ready/busy signalis output from a ready/busy status output pad except for an input/outputpad.
 11. The semiconductor memory device according to claim 2, whereinthe ready/busy signal which is output from a ready/busy status outputpad includes the same ready/busy signal as the cache-R/B signal.
 12. Thesemiconductor memory device according to claim 2, wherein the firstoperation is a reading operation.
 13. The semiconductor memory deviceaccording to claim 2, wherein data input operation from outside of achip and data output operation to outside of a chip are inhibited ordisabled as long as the first ready/busy signal is in a busy status. 14.The semiconductor memory device according to claim 2, wherein each ofthe plurality of memory cells is a nonvolatile memory cell.
 15. Thesemiconductor memory device according to claim 2, wherein two or more ofthe plurality of memory cells compose a memory cell unit, and the memorycells included in the memory cell unit are connected in series.
 16. Asemiconductor memory device comprising: a plurality of data cachecircuits configured to hold data temporarily; a plurality of sense latchcircuits connected to the plurality of data cache circuits andconfigured to sense and latch data read from a plurality of memory cellsin program verify operation; and a control circuit configured to performa first operation and a data transfer operation, wherein the firstoperation is an operation to sense and latch data of a selected memorycell into a corresponding one of the plurality of sense latch circuits,the data transfer operation is an operation to transfer data latched inthe plurality of sense latch circuits to the plurality of data cachecircuits and to be performed after the first operation terminates, thefirst operation is performed by inputting a first command or a firstcommand sequence, and a first ready/busy signal goes to a busy statusduring the data transfer operation.
 17. The semiconductor memory deviceaccording to claim 16, wherein a first ready/busy signal goes to a busystatus before the data transfer operation terminates, and the firstready/busy signal goes to a ready status after the data transferoperation terminates.
 18. The semiconductor memory device according toclaim 16, wherein a second ready/busy signal goes to a busy statusduring the data transfer operation, the second ready/busy signal goes toa busy status during the first operation, and the first ready/busysignal goes to a ready status during the first operation.
 19. Thesemiconductor memory device according to claim 16, wherein the secondready/busy signal is a true-R/B signal, and the first ready/busy signalis a cache-R/B signal.
 20. The semiconductor memory device according toclaim 16, wherein the first operation is a reading operation.
 21. Thesemiconductor memory device according to claim 16, wherein two or moreof the plurality of memory cells compose a memory cell unit, and thememory cells included in the memory cell unit are connected in series.